Hippolyte-Jean-Baptiste Garneray

Salon, Paris, 1812, n°404 titré Le Cortège du baptême du Roi de Rome, Paris

Thin craquelures are visible on the surface. A small horizontal crack is visible in the upper right corner. Under UV light, a few small repaints are scattered on the surface, especially in the sky ; one is particularly visible on the crack mentionned above. There seems to be old repaints which are difficult to see. Good condition overall. The painting is slightly less bright than on the picture in the catalogue ; it would benefit from a light cleaning.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Fils de Napoléon Ier et de Marie-Louise d'Autriche, et arrière-petit-neveu de Marie-Antoinette et de Louis XVI par sa mère, le Roi de Rome naît au Palais des Tuileries le 20 mars 1811. Il est baptisé à Notre-Dame de Paris le 9 juin. Le Roi de Rome, qui sera surnommé l'Aiglon après sa mort, porte successivement les titres de Napoléon II, duc de Parme et duc de Reichstadt. L'Aiglon finit sa vie à Vienne, à la cour de son grand-père, l'Empereur d'Autriche, où il meurt d'une tuberculose en 1832.
Garneray représente ici le cortège impérial défilant dans les rues de Paris, probablement avant la cérémonie du baptême.